How can able-bodied people show empathy and make people with disabilities feel included
Answers
1. Changing attitude.
Terms like 'wheelchair bound' and 'mentally r-------' are not acceptable. 'Wheel chair user' is more acceptable. Disabled users may find it insulting and ostracising for people to talk to their companions rather than them.
2.General politeness
They shouldn't have to endure stares, whispers, or laughter.
3.Words and tone
People should not use words or tones that belittle / infantilise. It can seem really patronising to disabled people. Every person with a disability has their own pet peeve words and phrases, and most won't hold them against others: it's the tone that's most important. Focus on talking to people with disabilities like they have serious careers , families and talent - because they do.
4.Be yourself.
One difficulty for people with disabilities is that they never really know where they stand with some people. You can be kind, polite and the 'approacher' without developing a full fledged relationship with someone you don't want to be friends with, as you could with a non disabled person. You don't have to be an able bodied ambassador to every disabled person you see. Just remember there are meaningful, simple things you can do to help disabled people feel more comfortable: if a polite "Hi, how are you" is all you want to do that's completely fine.
Sources: My friendship with someone who has sensory disabilities.